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Merlin VSM

I moved my system from a small room to a larger one 20 x 13. There is simply not enough bass from my KEF Reference 201/2 (associated eqip. is Aesthetix calypso, Primare A32 amp, Marantz SA1060 CD, Supra cabling). Would the Merlin VSM (MX or MXE)provide enough bass in my room? I am looking for a floorstander with a superb tweeter that is available used for $4000 or less. Music choice is primarily acoustic folk, rock and blugrass with symphonic music also (I know, weird combo). Thanks for your insight.
teeshot
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,825 posts
 
Consider small stand monitors of high quality with powered stereo subs. You get great soundstaging, clarity, pinpoint imaging and deep powerful bass. I have full range speakers with subs. It is amazing how much better the full range speakers sound, freed from the reproduction of bass. Were I to start from scratch, I would go with stand-mounted monitors with subs driven by a less powerful, class A amp.
usblues
1,217 posts
 
I had my VSM-MM's in a 13x22 and it was great,just right.Now I am in a much bigger room and they dont fill it nearly as good,but to be expected for their size.I feel you will be in a good place size wise.I used a few amps and even a little Rega Luna was OK there,good luck,Bob
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Any of the Merlin VSMs will provide a heckuva lot more bass extension than your Kef monitors - whether that's enough to satisfy you, who knows?. IME, the VSMs will be -3 db somewhere around 35hz in most rooms of your size. The more recent versions of this speaker tend to be voiced a bit fuller through the mid/upper bass than earlier versions.

Hifiman's suggestion of subs and sats may provide more "thump" down low - which may prove satisfying on rock music, in particular. If you opt for multiple subs and/or EQ, you'll also probably be able to get flatter in-room response below 100hz than you can with the Merlins. But the VSMs certainly have their own charms - great speakers.

good luck

Marty
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